CANVAS (2023)
Story overview
CANVAS is a 2023 Chilean horror-thriller short film directed by Constanza Vivanco, starring Javier Celis and Cecilia Ruiz. The story follows Pablo, an introverted child who possesses the unique ability to physically enter his mother's paintings. This supernatural gift leads him on a surreal and bizarre journey that increasingly blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, creating an unsettling psychological experience.
Parent Guide
A short psychological horror-thriller that explores the boundary between reality and imagination through surreal visuals. While containing no explicit violence or mature content, the atmospheric horror and psychological themes may be intense for sensitive viewers under 8. The abstract nature requires some cognitive maturity to process.
Content breakdown
No physical violence shown. Psychological peril as the protagonist navigates surreal, potentially threatening environments within paintings. Some tense moments as reality becomes unstable.
Atmospheric horror with surreal, disorienting imagery. The blurring of reality and imagination creates psychological unease. Some potentially frightening visual elements within paintings, though not graphic. The concept of being trapped between worlds may be disturbing to some children.
No offensive language noted. Dialogue is minimal and in Spanish with subtitles available.
No sexual content or nudity present.
No substance use depicted.
Psychological intensity from surreal imagery and the destabilization of reality. Themes of isolation and being caught between worlds. The abstract nature may confuse or unsettle younger viewers, while older children may find it intriguing.
Parent tips
This 12-minute horror-thriller explores themes of imagination, reality, and psychological boundaries through surreal imagery. While brief, it contains atmospheric horror elements that may be intense for younger children. Recommended for guided viewing with children 8+, with discussion about fantasy vs. reality. The film's abstract nature and psychological themes make it more suitable for children who can distinguish between imaginative play and actual danger.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- Did the paintings look like fun places to visit?
- What colors did you see in the movie?
- How did Pablo feel when he went into the paintings?
- What was the scariest part for you and why?
- How did the movie show the difference between real life and painting world?
- What would you paint if you could make a world to visit?
- What do you think the movie was saying about imagination and reality?
- How did the filmmaker create a scary feeling without showing violence?
- What techniques made the painting world seem different from reality?
- How does the film use surrealism to explore psychological themes?
- What commentary might the film be making about childhood imagination and adult reality?
- How effective were the visual techniques in creating unease and blurring boundaries?
Where to watch
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- Netflix
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